Sparks/Photo by Campaign
By Amarillo Pioneer’s Publisher’s Committee
Finally, after nearly two decades in office, the moderate mediocrity that has been the tenure of Sen. Kel Seliger is coming to an end. And four Republicans are seeking the party’s nomination to replace him in Austin: Big Spring businesswoman and Coahoma ISD Trustee Stormy Bradley; Amarillo attorney Jesse Quackenbush; retired FBI agent and former Canyon ISD Trustee Tim Reid; and Midland businessman Kevin Sparks.
It seems clear that nearly anyone would be an improvement over Seliger, who has consistently been rated as the most liberal Republican in the Texas Senate. Of the four candidates, however, there is one candidate who stands out as the right conservative to go to Austin and give back to West Texas taxpayers their seat at the table.
Kevin Sparks has an established record as a successful oil and gas businessman in the Midland area, serving as an executive for Discovery Operating. Sparks also has a record as a conservative leader, previously serving as a member of the board of directors for the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
On the issues, Sparks has by far the most conservative platform of the four Texas Senate candidates, planning to take aim at issues such as taxpayer-funded lobbying and the ever-growing size of the state government. Additionally, Sparks has put forward his intention to be a key player in the battle to reduce Texas property tax bills and deliver further tax relief to hardworking Texans who have been slammed by rising tax bills and growing government debt from their cities, counties, and school districts.
Kevin Sparks has been running as the conservative in the race for the Texas Senate and by the looks of his platform, he is indeed the most the conservative candidate in the race. This can be seen in his endorsements from groups like Gun Owners of America and Texas Right to Life.
Voters in Texas’ Senate District 31 are getting a major victory with the retirement of Seliger. And with Sparks on the ballot, they won’t have to vote for a new establishment career politician who will be a part of the status quo, but can vote for an experienced, seasoned, and successful businessman who goes to Austin not only with the reputation of being a political outsider, but also with the reputation of being a conservative leader.
We recommend Kevin Sparks for Texas Senate, District 31 in the March Republican primary election.
Early voting runs February 14-25. Election Day is March 1.
Please note: A publisher’s committee endorsement does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Amarillo Pioneer’s advertisers or staff. An endorsement of one candidate in a primary does not represent a criticism of other candidates running unless otherwise stated. Endorsements may be offered in additional primary races.